With the rapid development of data centers, cloud computing, cloud storage and other applications have gradually penetrated into various industries, and the bandwidth requirements of network communications have also increased rapidly. High-speed, high-capacity, and high-bandwidth often require larger space and higher costs. , there is this long-term contradiction. The birth of the MTP/MPO fiber optic wiring standard has become the best solution for high density and high bandwidth. There are two optical fiber connection systems, MTP and MPO, on the market today. They are very similar and are compatible with each other to a certain extent. So what is the difference between them?
MPO (Multi-fiber Pull Off) is the first-generation shrapnel-type multi-core optical fiber connector designed by Japan's NTT Communication Company, and is now the name of a multi-core connector produced by several companies. And MTP, a brand registered by USConec, specifically refers to the unique type of MPO connectors it produces.
MPO is the abbreviation of "multi-fiber pull off". The ferrule of this connector has more than 1 core that is mechanically snapped into place.
At present, various manufacturers in the market have a variety of MPO designs, and the performance and cost of different types of connection products are very different. Some products have features that make them more performant. Some MPO connectors can be matched with many different brands of products, but some cannot. This intermateability depends on how close the design of these connectors is to standard products. For a complete definition of MPO connectors please refer to the implementation of IEC-61754-7 and EIA/TIA-604-5 (aka FOCIS 5).
What is MT Ferrule?
MT is mechanical butt transmission, and the ferrule is multi-core (usually 12 cores). The performance of the connector is determined by the alignment accuracy of the fiber and whether the alignment accuracy continues to stabilize after connection. Ultimately, this alignment accuracy is determined by the eccentricity and spacing of the fiber and the matching accuracy of the guide pin and fiber. The performance of any MPO connector can be improved if variations in the guide pins and molding process can be reduced during production.
What is an MTP fiber optic connector?
MTP connector is a high-performance MPO connector with multiple innovative designs. Compared with general MPO connectors, MTP fiber optic connectors have been enhanced in both optical and mechanical properties. MTP connectors are fully compliant with all MPO connector professional standards, including EIA/TIA-604-5 FOCIS 5 and IEC-61754-7.
MPO-type connectors are industry-standard intermateable MTP connectors, which means it is possible to replace MPO connectors with MTP connectors for better performance. The performance of most MPO connectors that follow the old design is quite limited and cannot provide the same high performance as MTP fiber optic connectors.
Why are MTP connectors described as high-performance MPO connectors?
Through specially designed MTP connectors, its performance and usability are improved compared to MPO connectors. This design feature of MTP is unique and patented. The main features are as follows:
1. The outer frame of the MTP fiber optic connector can be easily removed.
The MT ferrule design ensures no loss of performance during rework and regrinding during production. The negative and positive can be flexibly changed even on site after assembly, and the ferrule can be tested by interference after assembly.
2. The floating ferrule of the MTP fiber optic connector can improve the transmission performance during mechanical docking. It allows the two connectors to maintain good physical contact between the mating ferrules under the influence of external forces.
3. The oval guide pin (PIN) of the MTP fiber optic connector is made of stainless steel. The oval guide pin can improve the accuracy of docking and reduce the wear of the guide hole, so that the MTP fiber optic connector can maintain high-performance transmission for a longer time.
4. There is a metal pin clip in the MTP fiber optic connector to fix the push ring. Specific features:
Prevent guide pin loss;
The pressure generated by the concentrated spring;
Prevent the spring from touching and rubbing the optical fiber during the mechanical expansion and contraction process, which will cause the optical fiber to be damaged;
5. The spring design of the MTP fiber optic connector maximizes the ribbon gap for 12-core and multi-core ribbon applications to prevent fiber damage.
6. MTP optical fiber connectors have at least four standard matching parts, which can adapt to different types of optical cables and are more practical, including:
- Circular fiber optic cable with loose sleeve structure;
- Ribbon cable with oval jacket;
- Ribbon bare fiber;
-Extra short boot connector parts, very suitable for application in small spaces, reducing the volume by 45%.
Can the MT ferrule be cleaned in the usual way?
The best way to remove dust and oil from MT ferrules that affect optical performance is to use an advanced dry cloth to clean the assembly, such as the NTT-AT OPTIPOP. The cleaning method is simple because only a single channel is involved. When using the above cleaning components, the contamination will be completely removed. On the contrary, using low-quality cloth or cotton swabs can remove the contamination on the surface of the optical fiber, but the contamination will still exist on the edge of the ferrule, and it is easy to cause the end face of the ferrule to be worn, causing serious damage. data loss.
OPTIPOP series cleaning components are specially designed for male and female fiber optic connectors, and can also be applied to single-core ceramic ferrules. OPTIPOP cassette and cassette cleaners use refillable cleaning cotton cloths, the cleaners can be used for a long time, and the cleaning cost is lower than traditional cleaning methods.
